RIYADH — Close encounters were witnessed in MBS Vision 2030 National Cricket Championship being organized by Saudi Cricket Centre, under the auspices of Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA) and Ministry of Labor & Social Development (MLSD).

Al Kharj League: Royce White Star banking on all round display by Ashfaq, the MOM for his 25 (12) and 3 wickets, defeated AR Sports Blue by 30 runs. White Star compiled 168/10 with Ashique Hussain 32(18), Umer Bashir 25(16). Nadeem Khan and Muhammad Hameed took 3 wickets each. AR Sports Blue were restricted to 138/10 in 18.3 overs. Amjad grabbed 4 wickets.

In a nail-biter, L’usine CC, who made 172/9 in 19.5, won by 1 wicket on the penultimate ball against GamePro CC. GamePro piled up 170 in 19.5 overs mainly due to Rehan 45(32), Prashant 30(12). Raja Ejaz and Emad Khan grabbed 3 wickets each. L’usine CC clinched victory due to Roshan Singh 48*(28) and Rustam Ali 30(17). Tanzeer Ahmed spun his web to grab 4/17 and almost won the game for GamePro CC.

KFSH Blues had an easy outing against Fonte Star banking on their huge target of 253/7 in 20 overs. Khurram Baig 89(33), and Nasir Abbasi quick-fire 43(19). Majid Bashir grabbed 3 wickets. Fonte Star succumbed to the experienced pace and spin attack of KFSH Blues to be bowled out for 141 in 18.5 overs. Mateen Ur Rahman Abbasi and Iftikhar Chitto grabbed 3 wickets in the 112 runs win.

In another encounter, Pak Falcons defeated Shuriam CC by 7 wickets due to all round skills displayed by Asim Nawaz 67 (35) and 3 wickets. Shuraim after scoring 163/8 in 20 overs. Noman 40(30) and Wasim 30(38). Waseem and Samiullah helped with 2 wickets each were hammered by Pak Falcons Innamullah 64(34) along with Asim.

Kashif Mirza continued his heroics with yet another 125(53) along with Muzammal 83(37) as Pak Force piled up 280/5. Farhan took 3 wickets. Falcons scored 200/5 in 20 overs mainly due to Farrukh 78(43), Farhan 50(29), Zahid 41(21) as they fell 80 runs short. Owais grabbed 3 wickets.

Riyadh Aces continued their winning streak by defeating VIP Holidays by 27 runs. Riyadh Aces scored 235/4 in 20 overs, Danish Zafar 51(26), Ahmed Ali 74(35) were the main contributors. Mudassir and Muhammad Saeed took 2 wickets each. In response VIP Holidays managed 208/5 in 20 overs mainly due to Mudassir Shah 84(41). Ahmed Ali was adjudged MOM for his 3 wickets and 74 runs.

Diriyah League: Green Stonz defeated Shadin Bangla by 16 runs. Green Stonz piled up 192/10 in 20 overs. Sajjad 57(27), was MOM following his 1 for 57, led the way. Kannan took 2 wickets. Shadin Bangla managed 175 in 19.3 overs as Mohsin had to retire out on 63(45).

Gujrat Lions defeated Shinkiari United by 52 runs. Lions collated 162/5 in 20 overs. Farid 34, Roman Khan 29. Zaheer and Ralmat took 2 wickets each. Shinkiari United, in reply, managed 110. Mohsin and Roman claimed 3 wickets each. Roman Khan picked up 3 for 29, and was adjudged MOM.

KAMS IndoPak won against Riyadh Thunders by 30 runs. KAMS Indopak totaled 205 in 19 overs. Zeeshan Shaukat, the MOM, topscored with 65 and Himayath assisted with 23. Salman grabbed 3 while Shahzad and Rehan Subhani bagged 2 wickets each. Riyadh Thunders managed only 175 runs in reply. Shahzad led with 66, Mustafa hit 31. Kamil picked up 2 wickets.

Karachi Kings lost to Smashers CC by 35 runs. Smashers piled up 208/8 in 20 overs. Naveed Arshi 51 was supported by Rehan 36 and Mudassir 27. Umair claimed 4 wickets. Karachi Kings managed 173 runs in reply. Shaib scored a fighting 55. Naveed Arshi was adjudged MOM for his 5 wickets and 51 runs.

Lyallpur Royals emerged victorious against Knight Hawks by 20 runs. Lyallpur Royals amassed 198/8 in 20 overs. Abrar Uneeb smashed 65 and Mohsin hit 40. Rashid took 4 and Mazhar 2 wickets. Knight Hawks managed 178/9 in reply. Rashid topscored with 30. Abrar Uneeb, declared MOM, and Shafqat Ali claimed 3 wickets each.

Pakhtoon CC humbled Al Tamayuz by 8 wickets. Al Tamayuz got all out for a below par 117. Shahzad 3 and Muhib 2 wickets ran through the batting line-up. Riaz was the lone fighter with 37. Pakhtoon CC won the match in 10.5 overs. Ikram, the MOM, led with 55 and Noman 39. — SG